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New report reveals extent of child poverty across Gedling

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A new report published by the End Child Poverty coalition today estimates that 22.9% of children are living in poverty in Gedling.

The figure is the highest in the Killisick ward (37.61%), which covers areas in parts of Arnold, with Trent Valley (32.68%) and Daybrook (32.50%) not far behind.

The new figures reveal that there are now constituencies within the UK where more than half of children are growing up in poverty – compared to one in ten, in the areas with the lowest child poverty rates.

The figures also show that some of the most deprived areas of the UK have seen the biggest increases in child poverty since the coalition’s local child poverty figures for December 2015. Increases of 10 percentage points in some areas demonstrate the growing crisis of child poverty in the UK.

Vernon Coaker the Member of Parliament for Gedling said : “Child poverty is one of the toughest challenges this Government faces. We also know that the biggest threat to a child’s health and educational attainment is poverty.

“It is simply not good enough for the Government to keep saying that the economy is improving when clearly the facts speak for themselves, they should take action and use all available levers to tackle this problem. No child should be living in poverty.”

This tables hows the figures in full:

You can see the data, methodology and interactive map at http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/poverty-in-your-area-2018/

Sainsbury’s staff in Gedling borough facing uncertain future

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Sainsbury’s staff across Gedling borough are facing an uncertain future after the supermarket giant announced a manager shake-up across all stores.

The supermarket giant announced yesterday it’s to cut store management roles with the jobs being replaced by “better paid” new roles.

The group said that workers will have the choice of either applying for the new roles, taking more junior positions, or face redundancy.

Sainsbury’s retail and operations director Simon Roberts, said: “The proposals will introduce a more efficient and effective structure, designed to meet the challenges of today’s retail environment. They will deliver cost savings to be invested in our customer offer and in our colleagues as they continue to provide the very best service for our customers.

“Our intention is not to reduce overall headcount as a result of these proposals.

Sainsbury-sign

“I appreciate this will be a difficult time for those affected and we will fully support our people through these changes.”

A Sainsbury’s worker who didn’t wish to be named from one local store told Gedling Eye that managers looked “worried” after the announcement was made earlier yesterday (January 23).

They said: “There was a sombre mood around the store and the managers think they will have to reapply for their roles.”

Tesco also announced on Monday 1,700 line manager jobs were to be removed from stores but 900 positions with a broader remit would be created.

Shell-shocked: Woman calls 999 to ask what to do about broken eggs in fridge

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Emergency services have urged people in Gedling borough not to misuse the 999 service and also revealed a list of some of the most inappropriate calls they’ve had to handle in the last six months.

Broken eggs, a dead fox and someone who wanted them to make breakfast are just some of the calls our staff have taken in recent months.

The service answer over 2,500 999 calls every day from people requiring emergency medical assistance for cardiac arrests, strokes, breathing difficulties and serious injuries.

However, some of the 999 calls we receive are not for emergency situations and when one of our call handlers is on the phone to these inappropriate calls, they are not able to help someone in a real emergency.

Recent inappropriate calls have included someone with a broken toenail, someone who wanted a taxi home and a patient waiting to be seen at a GP surgery, but who didn’t want to wait the 30 minutes for their appointment.

Simon Tomlinson, general manager for the Emergency Operations Centres, today reminded people in the borough to only dial 999 in the event of a serious emergency.

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MISUSE: People are being urged not to make inappropriate calls to 999 (PHOTO: Deposit Photos)

He is also urging people to remember that there are other options available, such as calling NHS 111, contact their GP or a pharmacist or visit an NHS Walk in Centre.

He said: “When you call 999 because someone is unconscious, not breathing, having chest pains or has the symptoms of a stroke, you are making the right call.

“Our emergency call handlers are trained to deliver life-saving instructions over the phone and we will get help to you as quickly as possible.

“Every 999 call is assessed so that the right help is provided to the right people as quickly as possible.

“You could receive the right treatment for you more quickly by contacting an alternative NHS service, such as your local pharmacy or NHS111, particularly if your call is not a serious emergency.

“Please help us to make sure we can reach the people who need us the most.”

10 inappropriate 999 calls received by EMAS

1.Person pouring milk over their body – as part of an art installation

2.Wants sleeping tablets

3.Toothache

4.Dead fox

5.At GP surgery, doesn’t want to wait 30 mins for appointment

6.Someone had stolen their drinking glass

7.Wants bandage changing

8.Wants someone to make them breakfast

9.Wants a taxi

10.Big toenail has come off

MATCH REPORT: Clifton All Whites 2 – 3 Gedling Miners Welfare FC

Gedling Miners Welfare made the short journey south to face Clifton All Whites seeking the double over their city neighbours after their 2-0 home victory back in August.

Troubled by their inconsistencies so far this season, Miners came into the game on the back of a surprise home defeat to Stapenhill last week whilst Clifton, boasting one of the better goal differences in the EMCL prior to kick off, were unbeaten in the league since mid-November.

Predictably, the game started with a combative edge as both sides, renowned for their tough-tackling approach, looked to place their stamp on the game early doors.

Clifton started the game the better of the two and looked to dangerous widemen Connor Hardy and Theo Smith to set the tone. However, the earliest chance fell to Gedling. After superb hold up play by Jay Knight and Aboubacar Sylla, the latter found Joe Meakin whose effort, whilst not lacking power, failed to trouble Alex Smith in the home goal.

Despite the frantic opening exchanges, the game dwindled into an otherwise uneventful affair with both sides limited in front of goal regardless of the attacking threat on display. Jahred Russell audaciously tried his luck from the half way line after a rushed clearance by debutant away custodian Danny Brown but the effort was way off. At the other end, from a typically accurate Ross McCaughey corner, Luke Smith’s header floated wide.

All Whites, with their undoubted talent on show, were always going to look to cause problems with their forward play, but the resilience of Gedling’s defensive four was superb all afternoon. On the reverse, the away side were excellent in possession but were culpable of retaining the ball for longer than needed which frustrated them. In a reflection of the tenacity, and despite the wholeheartedness and commitment of both sides, referee Jack Forder’s constant interruption of the game with his somewhat questionable decision making was unnecessary and really affected the natural flow of the game.

The next real opportunity came 10 minutes from the break and it was the closest to the games introductory goal. Meakin once more, after another piece of commendable build up play from himself and Sylla, took aim but his deflected effort clipped the outside of the woodwork. On the ascendency and arguably the better side, Gedling sensed the opener was inevitable and with any Clifton danger ultimately dwindling into nothing, they couldn’t be blamed. However, shortly before the break and they were a goal down as a result of their own undoing.

After holding onto the ball for too long, Sylla was dispossessed and, typical of Clifton’s attack, they countered at speed and, after a cutting through ball by Russell, Theo Smith, in behind Joe Evans, squared the ball for leading goalscorer Tyrell Shannon-Lewis who bundled the ball home under pressure from Martin Holt.

One down at the break and visitors, despite their dominance, will have felt very aggrieved, especially in the manner they fell behind. However, they didn’t have to wait long after the interval to level the scores.

After his own free kick was kept alive by Luke Smith, initially being parried by namesake Alex, the ball found an unmarked Errol Campbell who, with a sublime acrobatic overhead kick, found the bottom corner before rightly being congatulated by his teammates, as those in attendance stood to applaud the fine effort. Gedling were now deservedly back in the game and Clifton felt shocked by the leveller and only 8 minutes later their dismay was exemplified as they went 2-1 down and in some style that arguably emulated the first.

After another Luke Smith free kick was clawed away by ‘keeper Smith, albeit lacking distance, the ball fell kindly to a lurking Ryan Plummer who, after composing himself from all of 30 yards, fired a half volley that whistled into the top corner as he took all the plaudits – an absolutely exquisite effort that exhausted all superlatives.

However, before Gedling could relax themselves from the jubilation that had befallen them, the scoreline was all square again 2 minutes later as all their work to lead the game was wasted. After fine wing play from the left, Connor Hardy stood up a fine cross to the back post and the ball found an unmarked Shannon-Lewis who couldn’t miss from 2 yards out.

Back into proceedings and Clifton underwent their best spell of the game and only 2 minutes after their equaliser Theo Smith may have put his side in front for the second time but his toed effort, through a medley of players, bounced off the foot of the post and was cleared.

To their credit, Gedling continued to play their easy-on-the-eye football emanating from defence as they sought after another go-ahead goal, and the introduction of leading goalscorer Jack Jepson, making his long awaited return after injury, really spurred them on. It was Jepson who may have given his side the lead but, after Meakin found him unmarked in the box, the onrushing striker could only squander his moment wide of the goal when it was debatably easier to hit the target.

Though, only 9 minutes from the end and the wasted chance was simply a memory as Gedling regained the lead. After finding himself behind Ashley Miles, Plummer chipped out a deep cross and the ball fell kindly at the feet of Jay Knight who prodded home Gedling’s third through an accumulation of bodies in a crowded area, much to delight of the travellers who deserved it based on their performance and attitude.

Meakin, in an attempt to extend Gedling’s lead and confirm the three points, curled an effort on goal but his shot was always rising and at the other end, Hardy, who was one of the brighter sparks for the home side, let off a fierce strike but his effort was turned around the post by Brown as Clifton put the pressure on seeking a late equaliser. Late on in the 95th minute, Craig Anderson must have thought his goal-bound attempt was flying in the top corner, but Brown, solid all game on his debut, turned the ball wide as Mr. Forder drew the game to a close and Gedling celebrated a hard fought victory against tricky opposition.

They entertain Kimberley Miners Welfare at Plains Road next Saturday (27th) and will be looking to build on their recent victory that, should all results go their way, see them rise to fifth.

Gedling Miners Welfare Man of the Match – Joe Evans

Mapperley charity shop wants new volunteers for reopening

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Calls are being made for new volunteers to help out at a refurbished Mapperley charity shop which is set to reopen this Friday.

The Headway shop on Plains Road is ready to open its doors again on Friday (January 26) after undergoing a month-long refurbishment.

Now shop manager Jurgita Sarkaite is calling for more volunteers to join the team and for further donations ahead of the big relaunch at 10.30am

“The shop looks absolutely fantastic,” she said. “I can’t think of a better way to start 2018 than by welcoming all of our customers to see how great it looks.

“The entire shop has been redecorated so it looks bright and inviting. We’ve had new flooring and new LED lighting that shows off the stock beautifully. They might sound like small things but they’ve made all the difference.

“We couldn’t have done it without our wonderful volunteers and I would like to thank them for all of their hard work. I would also like to thank all of our customers for their continued support and we look forward to welcoming everything into our shiny new-look shop.”

Like all of the Headway shops, the Mapperley store relies entirely on stock donations from the general public and donations of goods are always appreciated.

Anyone who would like to volunteer or donate stock can visit the shop on 23A Plains Road, Nottingham or call shop manager Jurgita Sarkaite on 0115 969 1645.

First tenants move into new low-cost homes in Arnold

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The first tenants of a new development of low-cost houses in Arnold have been handed the keys to their new homes.

The first properties at the Bestwood Lodge Drive sites are handed over to Gedling Homes, with tenants already moving in.

Formerly occupied by garages, the eight sites in the development have been transformed to provide 25 new low-cost homes made up of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom houses as well as 1 and 2 bedroom flats.

The homes will be available for people already on the housing list with Gedling Borough Council.

The £3.2 million scheme is the first Gedling Homes has built outright, working in partnership with the Home and Communities Agency and Tanbry Construction.

The scheme is due to be fully completed in spring 2018, with houses handed over in phases throughout the beginning of the year.

Ms Antonia Fryer, who was one of the first tenants to move into the new properties, said: “I am delighted with my new home and would like to thank Gedling Homes for providing such a great home for me and my daughter to live in.

“We are both looking forward to building a new life and creating memories here.”

Jason Cannon, director of Gedling Homes said: “It is fantastic to take handover of these affordable new homes in Arnold.

“This helps our ongoing commitment to provide more homes and bring disused land back into use.

“The Bestwood Lodge development has been built to satisfy the housing needs of a range of different people in the area.”

18,000 households in Gedling borough could be missing out on £1,500 by not switching energy supplier

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New figures released today have revealed that more than 18,000 households in Gedling borough may have lost £1,500 each over the past six years for failing to swap energy suppliers – the equivalent of more than half a year of the UK’s average weekly shopping trips.

The new figures from Ofgem, which have been released as part of Big Energy Savings Week, show that 9 million households across the UK – more than a third (35%) of all households – failed to change gas or electricity provider between 2012 and 2017, with only 19%6 of people in East Midlands switching in the last year alone and missing out savings of hundreds of pounds a year.

And while a YouGov survey carried out for Big Energy Saving Week reveals 37% of people across England will visit multiple supermarkets to ensure we get the best deal on our weekly shop, we are not being as savvy with our energy suppliers, with millions of households remaining on the more expensive Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) despite better deals being available.

Starting today, Big Energy Saving Week is a nationwide campaign from the Energy Saving Trust, Citizens Advice and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) which helps households lower their annual spend on energy.

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust, said: “The difference between the average Standard Variable Tariff and the cheapest deal on the market is significant, but millions of households still aren’t accessing these savings. To put that into context, switching this year could save you up to £300 – equivalent to more than a month’s worth of food shopping.

“In other words, if you haven’t switched for six years, you’ve missed out on more than six months’ of food shopping.

“With January being a tight month for household budgets, now is the time to look at switching your energy tariff to make sure you’re on the best possible deal.”

Business and Energy Secretary, Greg Clark said: “We’re helping people take control of their fuel bills to reduce how much they pay for their gas and electricity.

“Big Energy Saving Week highlights how much money people can save simply by changing their energy supplier and taking action such as installing a smart meter.”

A YouGov survey carried out as part of the campaign also revealed that:

  • 65% of people in England would read reviews when planning to spend £1,000, but only 15% read any reviews about their new energy supplier or tariff when they last switched, with the average dual fuel bill £1,1235
  • Nearly a fifth (19%) of English households are unaware or don’t know there are ways to switch supplier other than online
  • 32% of English households believe there’s no point in switching because ‘all suppliers are the same’

As part of the Big Energy Saving Week campaign, Citizens Advice will host events across Great Britain with its volunteers and staff offering face-to-face advice to people with concerns about their energy bills, helping share information about switching and about how the Energy Switch Guarantee makes the process simple and easy.

An online price comparison tool from Citizens Advice can help bill payers find a cheaper supplier. The comparison tool is completely impartial and includes quotes from all energy suppliers, offering a quick and easy way to find the best deals.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Checking your energy tariff and switching to a cheaper deal is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cut your bills.

“We know people who stay with the same energy supplier often pay hundreds of pounds more a year for the same gas and electricity. It is too often the most vulnerable and those with the lowest incomes who pay the highest prices for their energy.

“Citizens Advice is hosting local events across the country to help people compare prices and make the switch during Big Energy Saving Week.”

For free advice on switching energy supplier, or to find out what events are happening in your area, call Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06 or log on to www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Additional support is available for low income households through the Government’s Energy Company Obligation and Warm Home Discount schemes, the window for which is closing soon for this winter. For further information in England and Wales, contact the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.

Rapist found guilty of historic sex attack in Mapperley Park

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A rapist has today been found guilty of a sex attack in Mapperley Park over 25 years ago.

Christopher Scott, 64, was found guilty of indecent assault, assault and attempted kidnap following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

Scott, launched the attack on the then 17-year-old in Mapperley Hall Drive as she walked home on back on September 26, 1992.

He punched the teenager, knocked her to the ground and then assaulted her before attempting to drag her away. But she screamed out and spooked Scott who then fled the scene.

Her calls alerted a couple in a nearby house who came to her aid.

For 25 years the woman did not know who her attacker was. But in May 2017 she saw Scott’s image in the media following his conviction for the rape of another teenager.

On October 25, 1992 Scott raped an 18-year-old woman after dragging her from a bus stop in Mansfield Road.

He forced her into a car after holding a knife to her throat and threatening to kill her.

Despite appeals for information, including a BBC Crimewatch recreation of the incident, her attacker wasn’t identified.

But the case was never dropped and in 2016 Scott was arrested on an entirely unrelated matter. His DNA was taken and came up as a complete match to the attacker from all those years ago.

GUILTY: Christopher Scott

Scott, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and a count of kidnap at Nottingham Crown Court back in May 2017. He’ll be sentenced on February 15.

Chief superintendent Rob Griffin of Nottinghamshire Police said: “The women in both of these cases have shown incredible bravery and composure during our investigations and in extremely testing circumstances. In both cases they have had to wait over 25 years to know that it was Scott who had attacked them and to see him finally brought to justice.

“One of the cases has become very personal to me because I first met the victim during my review of the case more than 10-years-ago and I have been involved in the investigation at numerous points ever since. I was absolutely delighted when the breakthrough came in 2016.

“I also want to thank the officers who have worked on this case. They have shown the true spirit that I know is held by all of our investigators – they never give up. They were thorough and professional and demonstrated the real patience often needed in complex cases.

“Nottinghamshire Police’s liaison with the media in ensuring court results and images are publicised has played a big part in the case and underpins the seriousness with which we take the need for justice to be seen to be done. We really hope that today will help to provide some closure for Scott’s victims.”

Gedling school pupils show MP passion for politics

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Gedling MP Vernon Coaker this week met with a coalition of kids who have been learning about democracy by holding their own elections at school during a special Parliament Week.

Mr Coaker visited Phoenix Infant School to meet with pupils who had been newly elected as Members of the School Parliament and award them with their Parliament Badge.  He then also enjoyed a question and answer session with the newly-elected pupils.

Pupils aged from four up to seven years-old have been elected and will provide a voice for all children at the school.

The members of school parliament have different responsibilities including the curriculum, trips, playground equipment and school dinners. Their role is to capture the views and opinions of their classmates and to then meet with teachers including the head teacher and to then vote on any changes and issues being proposed.

PICTURED: Phoenix pupil Lily Holmes from Carlton with Vernon Coaker MP. She told him she wanted to be an MP when she grew up ‘so she could help people’.

Mr Coaker said: “It was fantastic to visit the school and meet their newly-elected Members of Parliament. It is an amazing project which teaches the children about democracy, raises their confidence and self-esteem. It also promotes determination and commitment and encourages all pupils to have an active role in their school life and education.

“They are a wonderful group of children and I am sure they will all do an excellent job as Members of Parliament for the Phoenix Infant and Nursery School’

Head teacher of the Phoenix Infant and Nursery school Lisa Harper said: “This is the third year of the Phoenix Parliament and it gives the children real opportunities to develop early skills in speaking and listening, making decisions, understanding simple budgets, working as a team and understanding the views of others.

“This year we are focussing on working with the children to support the school in gaining an Eco-Schools Green Flag award as well as many other exciting projects.”

Police link silver van with ram raids in Calverton

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Police are linking three incidents in Calverton and one in Sherwood where a vehicle has been used to gain entry to businesses.

It’s believed a silver transit van was used in all four incidents. It rammed into a workshop in Mansfield Street, Sherwood at around 7.20pm on Sunday and a cross bike was taken.

At around 5.30am the following day, it reversed into three separate units in Park Road in Calverton. A motorhome and motorbikes were taken. One of the bikes (pictured) is a distinctive specialist race bike.

Three men wearing dark clothing were seen in the van.

If you saw anything suspicious in the area around the time it happened or have any information that could help, please call us on 101 quoting incident 56 of 15 January 2018. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.